15 Dec 2017

Sport: Medals shared on final day of athletics at Mini Games

9:31 am on 15 December 2017

Medals were shared round on the final day of athletics at the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.

Local teenager Simon Charley made it three gold medals in the space of four days after leading home the field in the men's half marathon.

The 18 year old from Tanna announced himself by winning the men's 10,000m on Monday before adding the 3,000m steeplechase title to his collection two days later.

The half marathon was also an Oceania qualifier, making cause for double celebration.

Poro Gahekave was among the gold medal winners for Team PNG.

Poro Gahekave was among the gold medal winners for Team PNG. Photo: Peter Carroll/Van 2017 Media

Papua New Guinea continue their strong track and field form, with Poro Gahekave taking out the women's 1500m, Adrine Monagi the women's 100m hurdles and Deniel Richard the men's high jump title.

Namzie-Lee Maria added another gold for Team PNG in the men's 200m final in a time of 21.66 seconds, while Patricia Taea from the Cook Islands upset sprint queen Toea Wisil to win the women's final in 24.16 seconds.

New Caledonia leads the medals tally at the Pacific Mini Games.

New Caledonia leads the medals tally at the Pacific Mini Games. Photo: Peter Carroll/Van 2017 Media

New Caledonia's Florian Geffrouais sealed victory in the men's decathlon, while compatriot Thierry Cibone claimed gold in the final para athletics event, the men's seated shot put.

Fiji also had success with Petero Veitaqomaki winning gold in the men's 1500m and Shawntell Lockington taking out the women's high jump.

Shawntell Lockington won high jump gold for Fiji.

Shawntell Lockington won high jump gold for Fiji. Photo: Peter Carroll/Van 2017 Media

Meanwhile Guam won the first medal of the Mini Games, with a bronze for Georgette Criss in the women's 1500m.

In other results from the penultimate day of action in Port Vila, a strong crowd packed into Korman Stadium last night to watch Vanuatu beat Fiji 2-1 in the women's football gold medal match.

Vanuatu celebrate the winning goal against Fiji in the women's gold medal match.

Vanuatu celebrate the winning goal against Fiji in the women's gold medal match. Photo: Peter Carroll/Van 2017 Media

Tonga claimed bronze with a 1-0 victory over Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile Samoa and Papua New Guinea won gold in the men's and women's 3x3 basketball.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs